Kayode: after I knock Ortiz out, get me Klitschko

Nigeria-born undefeated heavyweight boxing title contender, Lateef Kayode, has stated that he is ready for a fight with Wladimir Klitschko after he defeats Luis Ortiz tonight in Las Vegas.

Kayode, the current WBO NABO and NABF Cruiserweight Champion, is trained by four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach.

He will face Ortiz in a clash of unbeaten heavyweights tonight at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Kayode (20-0, 16 knockouts), 31, will be after his third straight stoppage victory, having last been in action for a sixth round technical knockout of Jonte Willis in January. The win over Willis was the second consecutive for Kayode since June 2012.

“I feel as good as I did at cruiserweight,” Kayode said, “I’m still the same powerful guy.”

He continued: “My trainer Freddie Roach has spent a lot of time in the gym with me. He has taught me a lot about my opponents and how to take advantage of them.

“I notice the difference when Freddie tells me things to adjust my game. He helped me with my footwork and positioning. He taught me new ways to make my opponents pay.

Kayode’s opponent in tonight’s fight, Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs), is a former Cuban amateur standout, and is coming off a fourth round knockout of former title challenger Monte Barrett in April. But the Lagos-born Kayode is not bothered by this.

Hear him: “Freddie told me that if I listen to him I will have no problem with this guy (Ortiz). He (Freddie) is there to make life easier for me.

“I will be able to keep my composure and keep calm in the ring. It’s not an easy task to fine-tune my brute force and strength but I feel great about where I am.

“After I knock Ortiz out or whatever I do to him, after that I will leave it up to my manager to try to get me a fight with Klitschko. I’m not scared to fight anybody.”